# Harald zur Hausen

> German virologist and professor emeritus (1936–2023)

**Wikidata**: [Q75847](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q75847)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harald_zur_Hausen)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/harald-zur-hausen

## Summary
Harald zur Hausen was a German virologist and professor emeritus (1936–2023) who is best known for discovering the human papillomavirus (HPV) as the cause of cervical cancer. His groundbreaking research established HPV as a major global health threat, leading to widespread vaccination programs and cancer prevention strategies.

## Biography
- Born: March 11, 1936
- Nationality: German
- Education:
  - Medical degree from the University of Freiburg
  - Doctorate from the University of Würzburg
- Known for: Identifying HPV as the primary cause of cervical cancer
- Employer(s):
  - Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
  - University of Freiburg
  - Heidelberg University
  - University of Würzburg
  - University of Pennsylvania
  - University of Bonn
  - University of Hamburg
  - University of Düsseldorf
- Field(s): Virology, Oncology

## Contributions
- **HPV Discovery**: In 1974, zur Hausen identified HPV as the cause of cervical cancer, revolutionizing cancer research and prevention.
- **Nobel Prize**: Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2008 for his work on HPV and cervical cancer.
- **Research Papers**: Published extensively on virology, including key studies on HPV and its role in cancer.
- **Awards**: Recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Order of Merit of Baden-Württemberg and the M. W. Beijerinck Prize for Virology.
- **Academic Leadership**: Served as a professor and researcher at multiple leading universities, shaping virology education and research.

## FAQs
### What is Harald zur Hausen known for?
Harald zur Hausen is known for discovering the human papillomavirus (HPV) as the cause of cervical cancer, a breakthrough that led to global vaccination programs and cancer prevention strategies.

### Where did Harald zur Hausen study?
Zur Hausen earned his medical degree from the University of Freiburg and his doctorate from the University of Würzburg.

### What awards did Harald zur Hausen receive?
Zur Hausen received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the Order of Merit of Baden-Württemberg, and the M. W. Beijerinck Prize for Virology, among others.

### Where has Harald zur Hausen worked?
Zur Hausen held positions at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, University of Freiburg, Heidelberg University, University of Würzburg, University of Pennsylvania, University of Bonn, University of Hamburg, and University of Düsseldorf.

### What was Harald zur Hausen's field of work?
Zur Hausen specialized in virology and oncology, focusing on the role of viruses in cancer development.

## Why They Matter
Harald zur Hausen's discovery of HPV as a cause of cervical cancer transformed global health strategies. His work led to the development of HPV vaccines, significantly reducing cervical cancer incidence. His research also influenced virology and oncology, setting new standards for cancer prevention. Zur Hausen's Nobel Prize recognition solidified his legacy as a pioneer in viral oncology, inspiring future generations of researchers.

## Notable For
- **Nobel Prize Winner**: Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2008 for HPV research.
- **HPV Discovery**: First to identify HPV as a cause of cervical cancer.
- **Order of Merit**: Recipient of the Order of Merit of Baden-Württemberg.
- **M. W. Beijerinck Prize**: Recipient of the prestigious M. W. Beijerinck Prize for Virology.
- **Academic Leadership**: Professor at multiple top-tier universities, including Heidelberg and the University of Pennsylvania.
- **Global Impact**: His work led to HPV vaccination programs worldwide, saving millions of lives.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Harald zur Hausen was born on March 11, 1936. He pursued his medical degree at the University of Freiburg and later earned his doctorate from the University of Würzburg. His early academic foundation in virology laid the groundwork for his groundbreaking research.

### Career and Research
Zur Hausen's career spanned multiple prestigious institutions, including the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, University of Freiburg, Heidelberg University, University of Würzburg, University of Pennsylvania, University of Bonn, University of Hamburg, and University of Düsseldorf. His research focused on virology and oncology, particularly the role of viruses in cancer.

### HPV Discovery
In 1974, zur Hausen identified HPV as the cause of cervical cancer, a discovery that revolutionized cancer research. His findings established HPV as a major global health threat, leading to widespread vaccination programs and cancer prevention strategies.

### Awards and Recognition
Zur Hausen received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2008, the Order of Merit of Baden-Württemberg, and the M. W. Beijerinck Prize for Virology. His contributions were recognized globally, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in viral oncology.

### Legacy and Influence
Zur Hausen's work on HPV and cervical cancer transformed global health strategies. His research led to the development of HPV vaccines, significantly reducing cervical cancer incidence. His influence extended beyond virology, shaping oncology and public health policies worldwide. Zur Hausen's legacy continues to inspire researchers and policymakers in cancer prevention and viral research.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. [Harald zur Hausen, virologist, 1936-2023](https://www.ft.com/content/eeb66a36-29e4-4a14-b7a4-0ca59214ad05)
4. [Source](https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)01319-3/fulltext)
5. [The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2008](http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/2008/)
6. [The Nobel Prize amounts](https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/about/amounts/)
7. [Source](https://www.cancerresearch.org/william-b-coley-award)
8. [ASTDA Awards](https://www.astda.org/recognition-awards/)
9. [Robert Koch Award](https://www.robert-koch-stiftung.de/index.php?article_id=15&clang=1)
10. [Robert-Koch-Preis 2023 für Pionierarbeit in der Immunologie geht an US-Amerikaner und Spanier](https://www.robert-koch-stiftung.de/index.php?article_id=15&clang=0)
11. [GM Cancer Previous Prize Winners](http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/philanthropy/cancer_research/prize.htm)
12. [Ministerpräsident Armin Laschet verleiht den Landesverdienstorden an zehn Bürgerinnen und Bürger](https://www.land.nrw/de/pressemitteilung/ministerpraesident-armin-laschet-verleiht-den-landesverdienstorden-zehn)
13. [2017 AAAS Fellows Recognized for Advancing Science. 2017](https://www.aaas.org/news/2017-aaas-fellows-recognized-advancing-science)
14. [Source](https://www.aacr.org/professionals/research/scientific-achievement-awards-and-lectureships/scientific-award-recipients/aacr-award-lifetime-achievement-recipients/)
15. [Source](https://endirect.univ-fcomte.fr/publication/docteurs-honoris-causa-de-luniversit-de-franche-comt/)
16. [Source](http://www-old.univ-fcomte.fr/pages/fr/ecoles-doctorales---universite-de-franche-comte-142.html)
17. [Source](https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/events/honorary-degrees/previous-editions/honorary-degrees-2012/)
18. International Standard Name Identifier
19. Virtual International Authority File
20. CiNii Research
21. NNDB
22. Harald zur Hausen. www.ae-info.org
23. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
24. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
25. Munzinger Personen
26. [Nobel laureate Harald zur Hausen has passed away. German Cancer Research Center. 2023](https://www.dkfz.de/en/presse/pressemitteilungen/2023/dkfz-pm-23-31-Nobel-laureate-Harald-zur-Hausen-has-passed-away.php)
27. [Traueranzeigen von Harald zur Hausen](https://lebenswege.faz.net/traueranzeige/harald-zur-hausen)
28. [Nobelpreisträger Harald zur Hausen gestorben. 2023](https://www.lifepr.de/inaktiv/deutsches-krebsforschungszentrum/nobelpreistraeger-harald-zur-hausen-gestorben/boxid/947969)
29. [Harald zur Hausen, Prix Nobel de Médecine pour ses recherches en oncologie, est décédé. 2023](https://www.oncohemato.be/fr/actualites/harald-zur-hausen-prix-nobel-de-medecine-pour-ses-recherches-en-oncologie-est-decede.html)
30. [Krebsforscher Harald zur Hausen gestorben. 2023](https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/panorama/harald-zur-hausen-medizin-nobelpreis-tot-100.html)
31. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
32. CONOR.SI
33. www.ae-info.org
34. LIBRIS. 2013